South Valley Chamber honors business leaders as ‘Titans’ of their local communities

Amy Rees Anderson, managing partner of REES Capital, and Jeremy and Kristin Andrus, he as president and CEO of Traeger Grills and she as community advocate and philanthropist, were honored with Titan Awards by the South Valley Chamber of Commerce. (Photos courtesy South Valley Chamber of Commerce)

Cassie Goff
Salt Lake Business Journal 

Community was the emphasis at this year’s South Valley Chamber’s Titan Awards Gala. Four chamber members and one small business were honored for their dedication in supporting not only their local business chambers and committees, but their surrounding Utah communities. The 2025 South Valley Chamber Titan Awards were held on Oct. 29 at the Grand America. 

“Kindness and community are stronger than that which pulls us apart,” said Jay Francis, South Valley Chamber president and CEO. “All of the honorees have exemplified innovation, determination and education with their integrity towards building a stronger community”

Katy Welkie, Primary Children’s Hospital vice president, was recognized for her work in helping to build out Intermountain Health’s new campaign for a health care system for children. Primary Promise focuses on supporting new research, bringing innovative programs to hospitals and adapting community care to help support children’s health care.

“Kids have a unique ability for joy in the darkest day,” Welkie said as she shared her years of experience working with young patients during her acceptance speech. “They have a power for kindness and an instinct to comfort others.”

Primary Promise’s focus is to make health care more accessible for children and their families by bringing quality care closer to the home.

“Utah’s generosity in making sure kids not only survive but thrive is unwavering,” Welkie said. “Investing in the true potential of children is investing in the future.”

Together, Jeremy and Kristin Andrus were nominated for their seemingly endless drive to continually pursue and serve within community work.

“We link arms and come together to solve problems,” said Kristin Andrus.

Jeremy Andrus, president and CEO of Traeger Grills, was recognized for how his incorporation of community culture helped him to grow a regional company to a multi-hundred-million-dollar company.

“Our life is full of smoked meats and soccer cleats,” Kristin Andrus said.

Kristin Andrus, community advocate and philanthropist, was also recognized for her work illuminating social issues, serving underrepresented communities, and empowering women in the nonprofit realm.

“We see the hand of goodness and kindness,” Jeremy Andrus said.

Jeremy and Kristin moved to Sugarhouse from Oregon over 20 years ago. They quickly decided to put down roots in the Salt Lake Valley after their community members showed them the “real community spirit” of Utah. They have since started additional businesses and a family with six children.

Amy Rees Anderson, managing partner of REES Capital (an angel investing firm), was recognized for her devotion toward perpetuating and educating for entrepreneurship opportunities.

“It’s more about the people you’ve served than the accomplishments,” said Anderson. “It’s been a blessing to get to give back to the people who mean so much.”

Anderson started her business to put food on the table. She quickly realized being a single mom to two kids and a business owner took a lot of hard work.

“Dalton and Ashley had to share their mom with 100 employees. … Every hour spent working was an hour away from them. … They are the real heroes in my life stories,” she said.

Salt Mine Productive Workspace in Sandy was recognized as Small Business of the Year for its innovative work constructing a community gathering spot that cultivates connection and collaboration. Their hospitality within those training rooms and office spaces allow remote workers to connect to others in an otherwise remote workspace.

“People make the place,” said David Edmunds, founder of Salt Mine Productive Workspace.

The South Valley Chamber’s annual Titan Awards inaugurated in 2009. Since then, they have continued to recognize “Titans” within the local business community, with this year’s gala drawing more than 200 guests.

“Sixteen years later, we are still here to honor amazing businesses and community leaders,” said Francis.

Sharing a handful of statistics about the South Valley Chamber’s growth, he said the membership has grown from 375 to 600 businesses. In addition, the chamber has been able to grow its Women in Business opportunities as well as their scholarship program for junior entrepreneurs.

“Our success reflects a caring community for what we have achieved and built together,” he said.